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David Peerbolte

David Peerbolte retired from his teaching post at Central Missouri in top form in May, receiving one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the university. The professor emeritus of theatre was honored with the 2004 Byler Distinguished Faculty Award, the top award for CMSU faculty members.

Now enjoying opportunities to pursue other projects as the owner of Peerbolte Creative, LLC, the longtime educator joined the university 28 years ago after working previously in High Point, N.C. As a faculty member in the Department of Theatre, he combined his passions for teaching and the stage through work in the classroom and countless hours as a scenic and lighting designer, technical director, company manager and theatre consultant. Anyone who has ever attended a play in the James L. Highlander Theatre has likely seen the result of his dedication to the university’s theatre programs.

His set designs and skill in lighting earned him numerous accolades over the years, including recognition from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, which presented him with Meritorious Achievement Awards for work on two Mainstage events.

Peerbolte was one of the founding members of the university’s summer Central Missouri Repertory program, and was responsible for initiating the first summer children’s traveling shows.

He studied at Central College, Pella, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and theatre, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he received a Master of Fine Arts in design and technical direction for the theatre.